Mines Ministry Issues Sand Dredging Licenses in Rivers & Streams for Over 2,000ha to Date

• 10 August 2022
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The Ministry of Mines and Energy has clarified that sand mining businesses along rivers and streams are carefully monitored and studied before getting their licenses issued while revealing that to date licensed sand mining activities cover an area of over 2,000ha.

HE Ung Dipola, Director-General of the General Department of Mines and spokesman for the Ministry of Mines and Energy, acknowledged the extraction of mineral resources, especially sand, has often been criticised by the public over riverbank collapses.

Speaking at a press conference on 09 August, HE Ung Dipola confirmed that the ministry conducts clear studies before issuing sand mining operation licenses and licenses are not given to all rivers.

“Before we issue licenses, we check very clearly. We not only focus on the mining potential, but we also focus on the impact on society, environment, the waterway,” he added

In response to allegations that the sand mining business caused riverbank collapses, he said that only incontrollable or non-regulated sand mining activities could cause river collapses, but that none of such things take place.

The ministry report shows that 1.53 million cubic metres of construction sand and 6.35 million cubic metres of muddy sand have been extracted in the first half of 2022.

• Energy and Environment